Duterte denies coma rumors

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has denied rumors about his being comatose.

“I am alive and well. Do not believe those rumors,” said Duterte as he appeared at the Gikan sa Masa-Para sa Masa TV program last Sunday.

Text messages have circulated here for two weeks that Duterte suffered a heart attack and was comatose.

Duterte admitted that he is ill but said it does not stop him from discharging his functions. He refused to elaborate on his illness.

Duterte said he also does not fear death.

“I have long accepted that we would all go. It could be anytime. It could be today or tonight or tomorrow. It could be anytime,” he said.